What is a pedestrian crossover?
A pedestrian crossover is a type of road crossing where drivers and cyclists must stop for a pedestrian wanting to cross the road. By law, drivers and cyclists must stop and yield to pedestrians wanting to cross the road and wait for them to completely reach the other side before driving through the crossover. It is the responsibility of both drivers and pedestrians to understand and follow the rules of the road.
How is a crossover different than a crosswalk?
Crossovers are different than crosswalks. Crosswalks are most often located at an intersection with traffic signals, pedestrian signals or stop signs. Crossovers are a designated pedestrian crossing in the roadway, usually not at an intersection.
What does a crossover look like?
The new crossovers in Haldimand County share these key elements:
- Signage saying “Stop for Pedestrians”, which may also have yellow flashing lights
- Ladder style pavement markings in the crossover area
- Triangle yield lines (i.e. shark’s teeth) on each approach, indicating where drivers and cyclists need to stop
Drivers
- Pay attention to what’s around you and be prepared to stop for pedestrians waiting to cross the road
- Stop behind marked yield line. You don’t need to stop if there is no-one waiting to cross
- Make eye contact with pedestrians to make sure they see you
- Allow the pedestrian to cross the entire width of the road before driving through the crossover
- You may drive with caution once the road is clear, even if the lights are still flashing. Make sure you have looked to see that no-one else is wanting to cross the road
Pedestrians
- Use caution
- Make sure the driver or cyclist has enough time to stop before you begin to cross
- Stand close to the curb. If the crossover has button-activated lights, press it to activate the flashing lights
- Hold your hand out in front of you indicating you are waiting to cross the road, making sure drivers can see you before you begin cross
- Look both ways and look for traffic to stop
- Make eye contact to make sure the driver or cyclist sees you before you step onto the road
- Cross when traffic has come to complete stop and you feel it’s safe
Cyclists
- When crossing, dismount, follow the rules for pedestrians and walk with your bike
- When riding with traffic, follow rules for drivers
